Fine-mapping of 5q12.1-13.3 unveils new genetic contributors to caries.

Caries is a multifactorial disease and little is still known about the host genetic factors influencing susceptibility. Our previous genome-wide linkage scan has identified the interval 5q12.1-5q13.3 as linked to low caries susceptibility in Filipino families. Here we fine-mapped this region in order to identify genetic contributors to caries susceptibility. Four hundred and seventy-seven subjects from 72 pedigrees with similar cultural and behavioral habits and limited access to dental care living in the Philippines were studied. DMFT scores and genotype data of 75 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were evaluated in the Filipino families with the Family-Based Association Test. For replication purposes, a total 1,467 independent subjects from five different populations were analyzed in a case-control format. In the Filipino cohort, statistically significant and borderline associations were found between low caries experience and four genes spanning 13 million base pairs (PART1, ZSWIM6, CCNB1, and BTF3). We were able to replicate these results in some of the populations studied. We detected PART1 and BTF3 expression in whole saliva, and the expression of BTF3 was associated with caries experience. Our results suggest BTF3 may have a functional role in protecting against caries.

[Reasons for not initating HCV treatment in prison: a subanalysis of the EPIBAND study]. / Causas de no inicios al tratamiento de la hepatitis C en el medio penitenciario: subanálisis del estudio EPIBAND.

OBJECTIVE: This sub-analysis was designed within the framework of the EPIBAND study to establish the reasons why prison patients do not initiate HCV treatment. METHODS: Epidemiological, prospective, multicentre study conducted in 26 centres. We present the results from those patients included in the EPIBAND study who did not initiate HCV treatment for different reasons. RESULTS: A total of 195 patients were evaluated (average age 39 ± 6.6 years, 86.7% male and 96.9% Spanish nationality). The reasons why this population did not initiate HCV treatment were secondary ones relating to the patient (41%), medical reasons (30.8%), and the prison environment (3.6%). 47.5% of patients reported lack of awareness and motivation, and 18.8% did not initiate treatment as a result of adverse events. Immunological status (35%). as well as psychiatric and neurological disorders (28.3%) were the main medical reasons for contraindication. Aspects associated to prison environment such as impending release or change of prison (64.4%) were among the various reasons that influenced treatment initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of motivation and awareness in patients as well as adverse events were the main reasons for not initiating therapy. These factors are subjective, modifiable aspects that depend on patient education and adequate medical care.

Características del tratamiento de la hepatitis C en el medio penitenciario. Programa de estudio y tratamiento de la hepatitis C en el centro penitenciario de Sevilla / Hepatitis C treatment in prison environment. A programme for hepatitits C detection and treatment in Sevilla prison

Se realiza un estudio descriptivo del programa de hepatitis C en el centro penitenciario de Sevilla, desde su inicio en el año 2000 hasta la actualidad. Se han incluido en dicho programa a 291 pacientes, de los cuales 109 iniciaron tratamiento, 58 con interferón convencional más ribavirina (primera época) y 56 (51+ 5 rescates) con interferón pegilado más ribavirina (momentoactual). A fecha de 31 de julio existen 78 pacientes en distintas fases de estudio pendientes de la decisión final de tratar o no.Se hace referencia en esta ponencia a los distintos genotipos encontrados: 51% genotipo 1, 3% genotipo 2, 30% genotipo 3 y 16% genotipo 4, así como a los resultados encontrados en la biopsia realizada a 85 pacientes.Especial mención merece el análisis de las causas de abandono de tratamiento (36), en la idea de evitar en la medida de lo posible aquellas que son susceptibles de ser modificadas (libertad y traslados). También se realiza un recorrido en el porqué no llegaron a iniciar tratamiento algunos internos incluidos en el estudio

A descriptive study of the hepatitis C programme in the Seville penitentiary centre, from its beginning in 2000 until today.This programme was made up of 291 individuals, of whom 109 began treatment, 59 with conventional interferon plus ribavirin (first stage) and 56 (51+5 recoveries) with pegylated interferon plus ribavarin (present day). As of 31st July, there were 78 patients pending a final decision on whether they were to receive treatment or not.Reference is made to the different genotypes encountered: 51% genotype 1, 3% genotype 3 and 16% genotype 4, as well as to the results obtained in biopsies performed on 85 patients. Special mention is made of the causes of abandoning treatment (36), in order to eliminate as far as possible those causes that were likely to be modified (discharge and transfers). The article also examines the reasons why some inmates included in the study did not actually begin treatment

Aceptación de un programa de diagnóstico y tratamiento de la Infección por el virus de la Hepatitis C por la población interna en el C.P. de Sevilla / Acceptance of a diagnosis programme and treatment of infection caused by the hepatitis C virus by inmates of Seville prison

Fundamento: La Hepatitis C es un serio problema de salud en las prisiones, por su altísima prevalencia y por la gravedad de sus complicaciones. Por ello pusimos en marcha un programa para combatir esta infección, en colaboración con nuestro hospital de referencia. Objetivos: Obtener información sobre prevalencia de genotipos virales y lesiones histológicas más frecuentes. Proporcionar la mejor atención posible a los afectos de esta patología. Valorar el grado de aceptación de las intervenciones previstas en el programa por parte de los internos. Método y pacientes: Diseño y puesta en marcha de un protocolo de actuación conjunto con la unidad de referencia hospitalaria. Dirigido a los internos con anticuerpos anti-VHC del C.P. de Sevilla. Se describen las características generales de los pacientes incluidos en el período estudiado (01-06-00/31-05-02) y el grado de aceptación obtenido. Los resultados se expresan en numerales absolutos y porcentajes. Resultados: 117 pacientes incluidos. 114 (97,4%) aceptan participar y 3 no. 112 hombres y 5 mujeres con un rango de edad entre 21 y 50 años. 86 pacientes ya iniciaron el programa. El genotipo más frecuente es el 1 (a ó b). 52 biopsias hepáticas realizadas y 10 más programadas. 44 tratamientos iniciados con 11 abandonos, sólo dos por efectos secundarios. Distribución genotípica: Genotipo 1 (a ó b): 51,02%; Genotipo 2: 6,12%; Genotipo 3: 32,65%; Genotipo 4 (c ó d): 10,20%. Conclusiones: El programa es mayoritariamente aceptado por los internos. Se debe potenciar la implantación de estos programas en las prisiones como mejor manera de prevenir la futura mortalidad por esta causa (AU)

Background: Hepatitis C is a major health problem in prisons because of its high prevalence and the seriousness of its complications. For this reason we implemented a programme to combat this infection, in collaboration with our referral hospital. Objectives: To obtain information on the prevalence of the most common viral genotypes and histological lesions. To provide the optimum attention possible to those affected with this pathology. To assess the degree of acceptance of the treatments envisaged in the programme by the inmates. Method and patients: Design and implementation of a joint action protocol with the referral hospital. Directed at inmates with anti-HCV antibodies in Seville Prison. The general characteristics of the patients included in the period under study (01-06-00 to 31-05-02) are described, and the degree of acceptance obtained. The results are expressed in absolute numbers and percentages. Results: 117 patients included. 114 (97,4%) agreed to take part and three declined. 112 men and 5 women with ages ranging between 21 and 50 years. 86 had already begun the programme. The most frequent genotype was 1 (a or b). 52 hepatic biopsies carried out and 10 more programmed. 44 treatments begun with 11 interruptions, with just two because of side effects. Genotype distribution: Genotype 1 (a or b): 51,02%; Genotype 2: 6,12%; Genotype 3: 32,65%; Genotype 4 (c or d): 10,20%. Conclusions: The programme was mostly accepted by the inmates. Implementation of these programmes in prisons should be enhanced as the best way of preventing future mortality from this cause (AU)

Response of the pulp of dogs to capping with mineral trioxide aggregate or a calcium hydroxide cement.

This study was conducted to observe the response of dogs' dental pulp to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and a calcium hydroxide cement when used as pulp capping materials. After the pulps of 30 teeth were exposed, they were capped with either MTA or a calcium hydroxide cement. Histological analysis was performed 2 months after treatment. Results showed a healing process with complete tubular dentin bridge formation and no inflammation in any of the pulps capped with MTA. On the other hand, only five specimens from the calcium hydroxide cement group formed a complete dentin bridge. In this experimental group, pulp inflammation was observed in all but three cases. In conclusion, MTA exhibited better results than the calcium hydroxide cement for the capping of the pulp in dogs.